• Category

    Weddings

    Category

    Some colours are easy to incorporate in a wedding theme. Colours like white and green, for example can work almost no matter what you do with them. But, if you lean towards the sunnier side of life and love the colour orange, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use it on your wedding day.

    However, there are some key tips to keep in mind to make the colour work best.

    Atmosphere

    Firstly, you have to decide what atmosphere you want to create. It’s crucial, because this will determine all the pieces you get and the shades and tones you’re going to work with. What is the feel you’re going for? The “vibe”, if you will? Is it low-key and simplistic, or is it extravagant and glamorous? It can be earthy, hipster and natural. Or it can be sunny, joyful and jovial. Decide what you want your decor to say, then everything else will fall in place.

    Textures

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jasmine Lee (@jasmineleephoto)

    Next, you need to determine what materials you will use. Plastic is out, for various reasons. Keep it classy, keep it glassy. For a nature-inspired look, go for wood, dried botanicals and coarse fabrics. For a more glamorous approach, think gemstones and bright coloured fresh flowers. Mix up the textures but make sure they are all aligned with your intended atmosphere.

    Shades

    You’re by no means confined to one shade of orange, but they have to work well together. Play around with samples, mix and match some different tones to see how they will look paired up. If you go rustic, burnt orange, tan and brown-orange will work well, paired with cream and copper table items. If you go vibrant, sunset orange colours will work lovely paired with lighter coloured items like white and gold.

    Less is more

    It can be easy to get carried away, but you must resist. Because orange is a strong colour, piling on too much of it can be overwhelming. Tone it down for a sleek, sophisticated look and you’re good to go. Simplicity is key, no matter the shades of orange you go for.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Queen Elizabeth’s wedding cake earned itself the nickname “the 10 000 mile cake” after many ingredients had to be flown into England. This is because the big day took place shortly after WWII, and rationing was still in place.

    However, this nickname has a double meaning, as the cake travelled far distances after the wedding as well.

    The wedding cake made for The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s 1947 wedding was a2.7 metre, 226 kg fruitcake, which featured four tiers and produced 2 000 slices that went to the wedding guests as well as nearby charities and organisations.

    After the big day, one layer was preserved for the future christening of their first child, and another layer was sent to Australia to give thanks for the dried fruit flown in from the area. It has just been revealed that a slice of the wedding cake was also sent all the way to Nigeria.

    UK-based charity Lepra, an international charity working to beat leprosy, recently tweeted out that their patron, The Queen,  helped sponsor children affected by leprosy through Lepra’s child adoption programme. She adopted one such girl named Budesta in 1956, thus ensuring she could continue her education and live a life of hope and freedom.

    The Queen’s official Twitter account responded and said that she also sent a slice of the wedding cake to the girl guides at the Itu leprosy settlement in Nigeria.

    Now that’s a sweet gesture.

    Picture: Pinterest

    White is the classic shade for a bride on her big day, but it’s not a set rule. Those who like to live life a little more boldly can opt for a fun pattern to brighten their bridal look.

    Delicate floral prints are super popular in the wedding world. Add to the bottom of your skirt for a subtle look, or go big with an all-over pattern. Using a simple white base still offers that bridal look, with a lot more flair.

    Here are some pretty patterns to inspire you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Boho Weddings (Kelly Hood) (@boho1)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Bridal 88 (@bridal88surrey)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Catherine (@bijouxandbits)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Spryng (@spryngishere)

    Picture: Pexels

    From Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor, we have been blessed with beauty and fashion icons who have endured over the ages, cementing themselves in the cultural landscape. Beyond their incredible talent and poise, they have created eternal trends when they walked down the aisle.

    We often turn to celebrities for inspiration in life, whether it be in your career, fashion, or just general advice. Take inspiration from these iconic brides who revolutionised the wedding dress.

    Lace like Grace Kelly

    Grace Kelly

    Grace Kelly’s Victorian-inspired gown was made of 125-year-old Brussels lace, taffeta, and thousands of hand-sewn pearls. The skirt was made of ivory faille and featured three petticoats: a smoothing petticoat, a ruffled petticoat and a foundation petticoat. Underneath the dress was the skirt support, the under bodice and the lace bodice with a slip. The gown itself was made of 100 yards (91 metres) of silk net, and the veil was 90 yards (82 metres). To keep the veil in place, Kelly opted for a Juliet cap decorated with lace, orange blossoms and seed pearls instead of a tiara. 30 seamstresses worked for 6 weeks to complete the look.

    Classic and feminine, lace is a pretty versatile option – choose a finer lace with a high neckline for a Victorian feel, or go bold and boho with exaggerated patterns and a plunging neckline. Paired with a sleeved style, it is current and flattering to most figures. The pattern or texture of your veil doesn’t have to match your dress – so dare to be different!

    Short like Audrey Hepburn

    Audrey Hepburn

    For her first marriage to actor, stage and film director Mel Ferrer, Hepburn stunned in a Balmain-designed tea-length flared dress with a satin sash, a high neckline and balloon sleeves that she accessorised with elbow-length gloves. The pair married in Burgenstock, Switzerland in an intimate ceremony on September 25, 1954.

    Short dresses have become an increasingly popular trend, especially now that minimonies are the in-thing amid the pandemic. From mod minis to whimsical lace, it’s time to flaunt your legs. What’s more, this style is the perfect way to show off those heels! A below-the-knee dress is perfect for a summer or spring wedding.

    Off-the-shoulder like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

    Jackie Kennedy

    For her big day, the future First Lady was a vision in a buffant ivory silk-taffeta off-the-shoulder gown, which has gone down in history as one of the most iconic wedding dresses.

    Off-the-shoulder is the perfect balance between sexy and sophisticated. For the modern bride, a boat neck will add a graphic element, while soft or sheer fabric draping down your arms will create a fanciful look for a more romantic feel. For brides with wider hips, a cinched waist and scooped neckline will balance out your hips and accentuate your waist. More gamine brides should opt for boat-neck styles in soft, delicate fabrics, as this will lend a feminine touch to your naturally athletic body.

    Colour like Elizabeth Taylor

    Always the bride, it seems film star Elizabeth Taylor grew tired of wearing white on her big day. For her fourth wedding, this time to actor Eddie Fischer, she stunned in a green silk dress with a hood and long sleeves. For her fifth walk down the aisle, Taylor wore a canary-yellow chiffon gown and stunning floral headdress to marry Richard Burton. She embraced the 70s aesthetic in a unique tie-dye dress when she said I Do to Burton once again after the pair divorced in 1974.

    For those who want something a little different, your moment has arrived: from a smattering of bright flowers or a lace overlay, all the way to a coloured gown. Subtle shades or blush, nudes and silvers are perfect for those looking for just a touch of colour, while the daring can go for solid brights or ombré in darker tones. For a hint of colour, a subtle ombré skirt in nude is your answer.

    Picture: Pinterest

    On your wedding day, you should feel like royalty. Many brides -royal and not- have donned tiaras over the years. Fashions have changed, but its timeless elegance has not.

    If you want to shine bright like a diamond, wear these sparkly headpieces to reflect the light in your eyes.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Caribou (@caribouevents)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lace & Favour (@laceandfavour)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by HONEY & EMBER (@honey_and_ember)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Amelie Kitty (@kittyamelie)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Ideas (@beautifulweddideas)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by EDEN LUXE Bridal (@edenluxebridal)

    Picture:  Unsplash

    “Generations” actress Letoya Makhene is giving fans an inside look into her recent wedding to businesswoman Lebo Keswa.

    The pair tied the knot in a traditional wedding on December 22, 2020. The big day was “African Royalty”-themed, and the pair rocked outfits from Revolt Apparel. Take a look at their stunning outfits and decor:

     

    The couple met in 2016, but lost contact for years before reconnecting and falling in love in 2020.

    “Four years later, we meet again. Four years later we’re dating. Four years later, I’m deeply in love with her. Four years later, I’m experiencing love in such a different way,” wrote Letoya on Instagram.

    They went public in 2020 after tabloid publication Sunday World announced their relationship without their permission. Since then, they have received many homophobic comments and have been victims of cyberbullying.

    Despite this, they have risen above the hate. Keswa proposed in October and they immediately began lobola negotiations, before marrying in true style.

    Picture/s: Instagram / Letoya Makhene

    So, you love the colour black. For many reasons, it has stayed a classic in fashion throughout the years. Timeless, elegant and sophisticated.

    However, when it comes to events, some might tend to think of funerals or a Halloween theme when you mention black. But there is more to black than grief or scare tactics.

    It can also be stylish, glamorous, tasteful and inspiring. We take a look at some beautiful black wedding decor that still says: Yes, we are happy!

    If plain black feels too heavy, lighten it up with one metallic colour like silver or rose gold. White also works well, or another dark colour like maroon or purple.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by BBJ LINEN (@bbjlinen)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by ??Zimweddings?? (@zimweddings)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by We Do Designs (@wedodesigns)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Mac Style Hire (@macstylehire)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Inspiration (@weddingslena)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding inspo (@blankcanvasweddingco)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by THE SOCIAL SPOOL (@thesocialspool)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by In Liebe, Lisbeth (@inliebelisbeth)

    Picture: Pexels

     

    Valentine’s Day is drawing closer, and that means that you need to find the perfect present for your lover before time runs out.

    The past year has been tough, and it’s fair to say everyone deserves a bit of pampering. If you were planning a wedding or forced to postpone one during the madness of 2020, you are in even greater need of a special treat.

    This year, Valentine’s Day may look a little different since so many experiences and places are off the cards amid the pandemic. However, there are still some items that will stimulate and inspire intimacy in your relationship. For the most intensely intimate Valentine’s Day ever, choose from one of these amazing and affordable experiences.

    The sensual spa day

    You could easily book a couple’s massage, or you could opt for the more sensual, do-it-yourself approach. Run a bath with rose petals and light it up with candles to set the mood and get the relaxation going. Next up, pour some aromatic oils onto your partner and give them a massage from top to bottom. Not only will you be easing their strained muscles, but it will also bring you much closer, quite literally.

    A cooking class

    They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Regardless of gender, however, everyone loves a good meal. The satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself is even better. There are many cooking classes available in Cape Town, all you need to do is pick your favourite cuisine and roll up your sleeves. If you don’t have the cash right now, simply pop on your favourite Food Network show and recreate a dish at home. Learning a new skill together is a great bonding experience, and will encourage team-building skills as you work together.

    A photoshoot

    Selfies are great, but sometimes you need a professional to capture your true beauty. Hire a local photographer to take sweet images of you and your loved one. You could opt for an outdoor sunset shoot or a more intimate boudoir aesthetic, the style is completely up to you. In the years to come, you’ll look back at these images and reminisce on how in love you were (and hopefully still are!).

    Play the We’re Not Really Strangers card game

    We’re Not Really Strangers is a purpose-driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. There are three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. The original game offers questions suitable for friends, family and partners, while the relationship expansion pack delves deeper into being in love and what that means for you.

    Have a movie marathon

    We know, we know, you’ve probably spent all of 2020 watching movies in the comfort of your home. However, you can easily elevate the experience to make it more romantic. Build a fort, pop some popcorn and gather your favourite snacks, and find your cosiest blanket to cuddle under. Create a playlist of your favourite romantic films to get in the mood for love.

    Games night

    If you’re the competitive type, games may be right up your alley. From Scrabble to Trivia, it could be cute to challenge each other’s minds. Raise the stakes by making a bet: Whoever wins gets a romantic massage.

    Picture: Pexels

    There are plenty of us who roll our eyes at the very idea of Valentine’s Day. The day of love has become so commercialised that many couples have opted out, and then there’s the argument that “every day should be Valentine’s Day”.

    But this year it’s all different. It’s been a difficult time for most since the onset of COVID-19. Many life partners have been tragically lost, and we’ve all generally had very little quality time with our significant others as we grapple with all the extra demands of living in a global pandemic.

    So if ever there was a Valentine’s Day to celebrate the love of your life, this is it! And here are some great ideas about how to make it special:

    Be day tourists in your city 

    This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, making it easy for couples to spend the entire day together. You could use the time to do some safe sight-seeing in your own city. For those in Johannesburg, you could explore the historical sites before grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink in Maboneng.

    If Cape Town is your home, what about a day out enjoying some of a long list of pocket-friendly experiences compiled by Cape Town Tourism. All the details on how to enjoy Cape Town for under just R150 per person can be found here. Or if you’re into art and culture, pop into Zeitz MOCAA for some of the best art on the continent all in one place.

    Make this year the year of the splurge 

    If you’re seeking a really special Valentine’s Day break, then definitely consider booking into one of the world’s top new hotels – Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge. Suspended over the Sabi River in the heart of the Kruger National Park, this hotel assures an exceptionally romantic getaway. Visitors enjoy a unique vantage point from above the river, soaking up unparalleled views of the Kruger National Park and the majestic Sabi River below.

    Do something different from the comfort of home

    Did you know that you can still enjoy a local jazz club’s cocktail hour, experience a cooking experience in France, take part in a dance class in Brazil, get involved in a fun scavenger hunt hosted by someone in the USA, or get your zen on in a meditation session with a Japanese monk – all from the safety of home? With Airbnb’s Online Experiences, you can explore the world from your sitting room, while also helping these Experience hosts continue to earn a living.

    Enjoy a stay-cation

    If you don’t want to venture too far from home, but you are keen to get away, then take a look at what hot deals your local hotels are offering for Valentine’s Day. Many hotels create special Valentine’s Day packages, like Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town, for example. Their special Valentine’s staycation includes a romantic picnic-style dinner in your room. You can enjoy it while watching the sunset over the ocean from your balcony – the perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway. If you’re not Cape Town-based, just get on to Google and check out the romantic escapes on offer in your own city.

    Have a dance party at home 

    If spending money isn’t on your agenda this Valentine’s Day, what about organising a fun, old-fashioned dance party at home?  Download YouTube music on to a device of your choosing and blast some of your favourite songs – or any songs significant to your relationship. Then take your significant other for a whirl around your living room dance floor! Love is free, after all.

    Picture/s: Supplied

    Wedding invites used to be printed and delivered to each address but technology is now helping us save the trees and our time.

    While e-invites used to be tacky, these days they are the most practical and often better solution. They have expanded beyond the standard, unflattering email. Now you can send beautifully designed invitations and have guests RSVP all through the same programme.

    The RSVP can also include important information you need from guests like food preferences, plus-one details and even a song request. You can then easily access these spreadsheets without having to have put them together yourself.

    Here are a few online sites that will do it all for you:

    E-Vite

    E-Vite offers free and premium invite options. The free versions are a bit simpler and don’t offer quite as much customisation but are a great option if you’re trying to save.

    Greenvelope

    Greenvelope allows you to upload your own custom design or use one of their templates. It has a built-in RSVP tracker which even reminds guests about RSVP deadlines if they are about to miss them. The pricing is scaled for the number of invites starting at R350 up to R1050.

    Paperless Post

    Paperless Post is one of the most popular e-invites on the market. You can add links to gift registries, to your wedding website and even guest accommodation options all within the beautifully designed online invite.

    Rsvpify

    RSVPify focuses more on the backend. While it has customisable design and you can create the perfect invite. It has a strong engagement tracking, You can see if who and how many people have opened the invite, who RSVPd and easy follow-ups.

    Picture: Pexels